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Klitschko-Haye deal almost sealed

Fighters Network
26
Mar

The biggest heavyweight fight possible is all but a done deal.

Wladimir Klitschko, THE RING’s No. 1-rated heavyweight, and No. 10 David Haye have agreed in principle to fight on June 20, almost certainly in Germany.

Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions, which represents Haye in the U.S., said the on-again-off-again deal will finally be completed “at any time now.”

“We’re just waiting for the lawyers to finalize it,” Schaefer said.



Haye confirmed the news on a television show in England. According to the Times of London’s Web site, he said: “All the stumbling blocks are over, everything has been agreed. All this is about now is Klitschko's people sending me the contract, I can sign it and send it back.”

Klitschko (52-3, 46 knockouts) and his brother, Vitali Klitschko, are widely considered the best heavyweights in the world. Wladimir Klitschko holds the IBF and WBO belts and has won 11 consecutive fights.

Haye (22-1, 21 KOs) isn’t the top challenger – he’s No. 2 WBO, No. 11 IBF — but the former cruiserweight titleholder has a great deal power, has a huge following in the UK and is loaded with charisma.

“I think the heavyweight division needs this fight, it needs to be shaken up,” Schaefer said. “And I think David Haye as the new heavyweight champion of the world will bring a lot of charisma to the sport. He’ll be the next generation of heavyweight champions.

“He’s going to have a huge impact on the sport.”

Four sites within Germany reportedly are being considered: Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Mannheim.

Michael Rosenthal can be reached at [email protected]

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